Crane began offering this in response to studies revealing that one American dies every hour from oral cancer.

The American Cancer Society estimates about 35,310 new cases of oral cavity and oropharyngeal cancer will be diagnosed in the United States in 2008. An estimated 7,590 people will die of these cancers this year.

ViziLite Plus uses a fluorescent light that scans the inside of the mouth to detect cancerous and precancerous tissue that might not be apparent to the naked eye. It also identifies tissue changes at their earliest stage. After ViziLite Plus has scanned the area, normal healthy tissue will absorb the light and appear dark, while abnormal tissue will appear white.

Recently, Crane performed oral cancer screenings at the Datolli Men’s Health Rally, and his team will be at the Lakewood Ranch Efest Nov. 15-16 to perform oral cancer screenings and other free services. Crane has a mobile unit and team to do screenings on location.

Now there is another option- dental implants.

Sarasota Cosmetic Dentist Dr. Charles Crane likens root canal therapy to that of saving a dead tree.

“The tree can remain in the ground and stay there, but it is not alive,” Crane said. “It is brittle and dry. You could still hang lights on it, but I certainly wouldn’t hang a tree swing or anything that would cause it extreme duress.”

Teeth are the same way, he said. When a nerve gets infected, the pulp, blood vessels and nerves are taken out and the canal is filled. Root canals are very complex, with many small branches off the main canal.

Like the dead tree, that tooth ceases to be as strong as it once was. However, the tooth can remain and function. This usually is accomplished with a full coverage restoration around it to give it further strength in the event that it was badly compromised. This fix sometimes can last an additional 15 to 20 years if properly cared for.

Root canals often have to be performed on the molars because they are the “working teeth” with the deep grooves that as younger children, often were difficult to keep clean, Crane said. These teeth were subject to decay, followed by fillings. If silver fillings were involved, they sometimes leaked and broke down over time. For that reason, it’s not uncommon that eventually some of these teeth would be in need of root canal therapy.

It’s important to note that root canals are not a 100 percent guarantee that a patient’s tooth can be salvaged. Sometimes the root canal therapy doesn’t take, he said. If the root canal fails, there are options to re-treat. The success rate for re-treatment of root canal teeth is less than 50 percent.

An apicoectomy may be needed when an infection develops or persists after root canal treatment or re-treatment. Because root canals have many small branches off the main canal, sometimes infected debris can remain in these branches and possibly prevent healing or cause re-infection later, according to www.colgate.com. In an apicoectomy, the root tip, or apex, is removed along with the infected tissue. A filling is then placed to seal the end of the root. This procedure sometimes is referred to as endodontic microsurgery because the procedure is done under an operating microscope.

Implants As An Alternative

Implants were considered “cutting edge technology” as early as 10 years ago, so re-treatments remained “very good options instead of losing a tooth and then involving bridges and other prosthodontic measures,” Crane said. However, dental implantshave earned a good reputation as a viable alternative to re-treatment, due to their successful track record.

In fact, root canal re-treatment often is referred to as “pre-implant” therapy, Crane said.

Patients who are facing possible re-treatment should consult with a restorative dentist to have the broken, old or failing root canal teeth evaluated.

“The restorative dentist who understands full mouth rehabilitation and occlusion will look at the forces that area of the bite receives and let you know if surgery and crown lengthening procedures are your best avenue, or if the probability of saving that tooth is not worth the cost and extra procedures for a sometimes 50 percent success rate,” Crane said. “They also can determine if you are a candidate for an implant and whether it is cost-effective to place an implant that will last you the rest of your life.”

All of these procedures mentioned earlier are available to people who want to restore and keep their teeth, but in cases where “duck tape” no longer is a good option and replacing a tooth makes more sense for the long-term, it’s a good idea to consider dental implants.

Titanium used for knee and hip replacements is a good indication of how people today replace things that are worn out and have outlived their current usefulness. This technology enables patients to continue to experience active, successful lifestyles.

“The same can be said of dental implants,” he said. “You can replace what once was and have very successful results.”

This program promises to offer something for everyone. Discounts vary according to each event. Upcoming events in which discounts are available include:

Nov 3- WWE

Nov. 10- Celtic Thunder

Nov. 14- Trans Siberian Orchestra

Nov. 16- Sarah Brightman

Nov. 22- The Wiggles

Dec. 5- XFC (not on sale yet)

Jan 7-11- Ringling Brothers Circus (not on sale yet)

Jan. 28- Celine Dion

Jan. 31- Dane Cook

Feb. 8- Extreme Ice Racing

Feb. 27- Harlem Globetrotters

March 1- Smuckers Stars On Ice (not on sale yet)

June 25-July 5- Cirque Du Soliel “Saltimbanco” (not on sale yet)

In addition to receiving discounts on many performances, our patients also will avoid the TicketMaster fees on ALL performances at the St. Pete Times Forum.

If you are interested in purchasing tickets, just mention Dr. Crane when you e-mail Alison Namour,anamour@sptimesforum.com or call (813) 301-6683 for more information.

Entries were to show noticeable cosmetic improvement that showcased member dentists’ and laboratories’ cosmetics skills and talents, according to the FACD Web site. Entries were judged by a panel of peers and the gold medals were awarded for “providing the best in clinical cosmetic dentistry,” according to the certificate presented by FACD President Dr. Howard Chasolen. “It’s always an honor and a privilege to be recognized by your peers for providing excellent cosmetic dentistry care,” Crane said. Crane occasionally enters contests such as this so that current and potential patients can see that he provides quality care, said Practice Manager Ann White.

“It’s one thing for us to tell patients about the level and quality of our services,” White said. “I think that sometimes it means more to patients when they can see that outside, objective sources corroborate what we say.”

For that reason, there is a significant segment of the population that views cosmetic dentistry as a luxury they can’t afford. Sarasota Cosmetic Dentist Dr. Charles Crane said that when people view cosmetic dentistry in that light, they typically aren’t thinking of the long-term ramifications of short-changing themselves on dental care. “Studies and medical research increasingly show that oral health affects many aspects of overall health from diabetes and heart disease to the ability for people to properly nourish themselves,” Crane said.

For those reasons, Crane and his staff have found that educating and helping his patients understand their dental coverage is a great starting point in assisting them on their journey to a healthy, beautiful smile. Part of the time, it means addressing the dental issue from a common sense standpoint. “You don’t neglect getting your oil changed in your new car because you don’t have ‘oil change’ insurance,” Crane said. “You don’t delay getting your hair cut because you lack ‘hair cut’ insurance.” There are countless tasks people carry out without much thought and without “insurance” coverage plans, but people often will neglect their mouths and oral health because of the lack of dental coverage.

In best case scenarios, insurance may cover only a portion of a procedure. Patients who want, need and value the procedure shouldn’t allow their dental insurance benefits to determine what is best for them in the way of treatment, he said. Crane’s practice focuses on restorative and cosmetic dentistry and his approach is more comprehensive than most general dentistry practices. “We don’t chase tooth-at-a-time emergencies,” Crane said. “We examine the entire health of the mouth and create a comprehensive plan.” Some patients might read that and think that means more expensive trips to the dentist, but to the contrary, when oral health is approached comprehensively, dollars can be spent more efficiently and effectively.

The Truth About Dental Insurance

Patients who have dental insurance and fully understand the coverage can maximize those benefits and the money spent while achieving long term dental health.

Many people don’t understand that their benefits have a cap for each year, per person covered and that amount often is not as much as they may think, said Ann White, Crane’s office administrator. It typically is between $1,000 and $1,500 per year. Unlike medical insurance, people think their benefits cover 60 to 80 percent of the entire bill.

It will cover 40 to 80 percent of the “approved or usual and customary fee” up to their “cap,” White said, adding that this is a widely misunderstood notion. Also, their benefits expire yearly, so if they do not use their benefits, that $1,000 to $1,500 does not roll over and accumulate, it is gone. The clock starts over.

Another issue is that dental insurance often covers and approves lower grade materials- materials that may have to be replaced again within two to five years because of their substandard quality.

“Our office uses the highest quality materials and care,” Crane said. “Other offices that are enrolled in dental insurance plans often will not present to a patient the better, healthier and more aesthetic materials, since they will not get paid.”

That means the doctor limits the dental options to those that insurance will pay for.

“When it comes to extensive dental work, the patient should be given a choice of treatment options once they understand how limited their dental insurance coverage is,” he said.

Payment Options

Because patients end up paying significant out-of-pocket expenses for many cosmetic dentistry procedures, financing companies have created options to make paying for those procedures a bit easier.

For example, Crane’s office uses Capital One credit for patients who choose not to pay for services in full at the time of the procedure. These plans typically offer interest-free time frames in which patients can pay off balances without penalty.

The interview is the result of Crane and his staff discovering that whitening approaches don’t render the same results for everyone.

“We have found that shade ranges on patients’ teeth whiten better when we utilize certain systems,” Crane said. “While other cosmetic dentists may choose to put everyone through the same system, we’ve chosen to take the extra time to decide which specific approach will work best for each individual.”

Crane recently began offering complimentary whitening consultations to office visitors to decide on the best path to take based on their teeth, their budget and their final desired outcome.

Crane has found that teeth with yellow stains respond well to in-office systems, while brown stains respond better to more involved deep bleaching over several sessions. Teeth that are gray in color have not been shown to bleach well. Instead, Crane recommends patients with this coloring save their money on traditional treatments and consider alternative options such as bonding or porcelain veneers.

“Before you invest money in whitening systems, you should be confident that you will get results,” Crane said. “This interview is meant to increase the amount of success we see and decrease the chances that patients will have to try several failed avenues before seeing results.”

“Over time, our teeth wear, they stain and materials breakdown or appear dated,” Crane said. “Our goal is to create a plan for each individual patient that will promote good oral health for a lifetime.”

For many patients, dental care is more reactive than proactive. They find themselves chasing emergencies or repairs one tooth at a time. Instead of waiting to fix what hurts or breaks, why not create a blueprint for addressing issues before they become obvious?

Developing a blueprint for your mouth starts with an open discussion with your dentist. It’s important to share your goals and desires. Your dentist needs to know if your top priorities are function, health, appearance or a combination of the three.

It’s also important to remember that there is no such thing as “one size fits all” when it comes to creating a treatment plan, Crane said. Plans vary according to each individual.

Once the goals are made known, your dentist can educate you on the types of materials and techniques available to achieve those goals, as well as the cost and how long the materials can be expected to last. Often, there is more than one way to fix a dental problem. Technology continues to result in new products, techniques and procedures, so it’s a good idea for your dentist to address all of the options available. Together, you can decide on what is best for you.

For people who have a fear of the dentist’s office, or who worry about a procedure being painful, it’s wise to discuss methods of comfort and relaxation that can be utilized while in the chair having the procedures performed.

After this discussion, you should undergo a thorough exam, complete with X-rays and before it is determined how to best reach the stated goals.

“Not everyone can address all of their needs at once,” Crane said. “But having a blueprint and a comprehensive plan can help a patient experience better results- start to finish.”

Patients who consult with a cosmetic dentist to create a personalized blueprint should walk away with the following information: a complete report of findings, a detailed treatment plan and information regarding financial arrangements.

Specifically, the blueprint should prioritize the procedures the patient needs. Prevention always should be a priority, but in cases where periodontal treatment is needed, that should be addressed first.

Periodontal disease is an infection of the tissues that support your teeth. They attack just below the gum line and can cause the attachment of the tooth and its supporting tissues to break down, according to the American Dental Association. (http://www.ada.org/public/topics/periodontal_diseases.asp)

After periodontal treatment, the next priority often focuses on restorative treatment and addressing any issues regarding missing teeth. Cosmetic treatment often is the final step in a personalized blueprint.

Paying for Quality Treatment

Although many patients lack confidence in their smiles and look to cosmetic dentistry for improvements, they sometimes feel they can’t afford to pay for treatment up front.

That is where cosmetic dentistry financing plans come into play. Prices for important procedures designed to improve your oral health and your self-confidence can become affordable with the help of financing options.